Theresa May committed to ‘smooth and orderly’ Brexit

LONDON — Prime Minister Theresa May said she will work with “humility and resolve” and see Brexit through as she presses ahead with the queen’s speech Wednesday despite failing to secure a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Her legislative agenda for a two-year parliament spanning Brexit negotiations will include bills to “fix the dysfunctional housing market,” reduce personal injury claims that push up motor insurance and create a domestic violence and abuse commissioner, according to a statement released to journalists late Tuesday.

May is unlikely to be able to implement all of the Conservative Party manifesto following a disastrous election result for her, and will need the support of eight other MPs to get her legislative plan through the House of Commons.

But the prime minister insisted there would be a “busy legislative session” with bills geared towards “making a success of Brexit.”

The Conservatives have been locked in talks with Northern Ireland’s DUP since June 9, the day after the general election, and on the eve of the queen’s speech senior DUP figures told the BBC discussions had not gone the way they expected, claiming the DUP “can’t be taken for granted.”

But a senior Conservative said they continued to work towards a confidence and supply arrangement, which would see the DUP back May’s government on key votes.

“As we have said, both parties are committed to strengthening the Union, combatting terrorism, delivering Brexit and delivering prosperity across the whole United Kingdom,” the Tory said.

In her statement released ahead of the queen’s speech, May conceded she was disappointed by the election result.

“The election result was not the one I hoped for, but this government will respond with humility and resolve to the message the electorate sent. We will work hard every day to gain the trust and confidence of the British people, making their priorities our priorities,” she said.

May said the government wanted to secure a Brexit deal that delivers the result of last year’s referendum and “commands maximum public support.”

She added the government would be one that “consults and listens,” but would “see Brexit through, working with parliament, business, the devolved administrations and others to ensure a smooth and orderly withdrawal.”

Authors:

Related stories on these topics:

Mikael

Very orderly. First you make a neat pile of kindling in the center of your home then with great care you set it alight.

Posted on 6/21/17 | 12:35 AM CEST

Justin

Will the neat pile of kindling be ‘strong and stable”?

Posted on 6/21/17 | 1:58 AM CEST

Ben Talos

2 year negotiations are not real and are their purely for remainers to buy time to justify ignoring the vote. I DEMAND BREXIT – NO DEAL – OUT BY FRIDAY.

Posted on 6/21/17 | 2:14 AM CEST

Jodocus5

As the UK prepares to leave the EU, its politics start to take on distinctly mainstream EU characteristics. Funny old world.

Posted on 6/21/17 | 8:15 AM CEST

Howe

@Mikael, @Justin
Will the matchbox be red, white and blue?

Posted on 6/21/17 | 10:15 AM CEST

YellowSubmarine

It is looking like May has secured enough of a hold on the PM’s job to continue at least in the medium term.

DUP are struggling to make as much headway as they might have liked in talks, this could be because Tory’s are feeling a bit stronger than just after the election and don’t see the need to give much away for a deal.

If DUP have failed to grasp the opportunity, to be seen as a player in Westminster, their electorate might be a bit miffed, and S.F. quick to gloat.

At least May cannot be accused of doing a deal with DUP at any cost. Although it won’t stop some trying as they wrote the script last week and can’t think of anything else to say.

Posted on 6/21/17 | 1:34 PM CEST

Europeann

The Brits are leaving the UK for EU passports em masse. May has not understood her people, only her Brexiteers. An opportunist, she canvasses to them only!

Posted on 6/21/17 | 7:02 PM CEST

Europeann

Humility is not her charateristic: rather arrogance.

Posted on 6/21/17 | 7:52 PM CEST

YellowSubmarine

@Europeann “The Brits are leaving the UK for EU passports em masse.”

The numbers are up compared to recent years but you are still only talking about a few 10’s of thousand from a population of 65,000,000.

There is also an increase of EU individuals asking for UK passports, so its not all one way traffic.